Sunday, January 18, 2009

Summer and Winter in Eldorado Canyon

On Saturday we had a session in Eldorado Canyon which started at the Sinus Boulder.It has a couple good traverse variations on it. Doing a lie down start on the left, and making my way to the right side was a bit pumpy, and took a couple tries. Ashley did it back and forth, which took more endurance than I could summon.The sun was spectacular, and the view was nice too. It was so warm, we decided conditions would probably be good for the "Slick Traverse" at the base of the Whales Tail. Conditions weren't as good as we hoped. I guess the base of the Whales Tail never gets sun in January. The "Sinus Boulder" was like Summer, but it's still winter at the "Slick Traverse."Our hands got cold, but it was even worse for our frozen toes. Whenever we slid off, it was surprising how bad they hurt.We've worked this line on a few occasions, but hadn't done it yet. We've always been on it at the end of the day, and never came back soon enough to remember our beta. It doesn't get any stars in "Colorado Bouldering." Probably because the rock feels like it's been Turtle Waxed. It has less friction than any other rock I've climbed on, but I like it. The holds are unique and solid, it requires more tension than you'd ever expect on a slab, and it really dials in your foot work. We both managed to send it, after Ashley rediscovered our beta. While we climbed, the girls had a good time wrestling to keep warm.I'm really enjoying the winter season this year.